Identification in Forensic Anthropology

Year
1

Academic year
2019-2020

Code
02036290

Subject Area
Forensic Anthropology

Language of Instruction
Portuguese

Other Languages of Instruction
English

Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face

Duration
SEMESTRIAL

ECTS Credits
8.0

Type
Compulsory

Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

Human Osteology; Biological Profile.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical exposition and practical classes with human skeletal remains from identified collections.

Learning Outcomes

It is intended that the student learn the main identification methods in Forensic Anthropology, both in the dead and in the living. He has to be aware of primary and secondary techniques and recognize the limitations of each of the methods.

Work Placement(s)

Syllabus

The postmortem identification. Identification methods. Individualization factors. Generic factors versus factors of individualization. The pathology as a factor of identity. Morphological variants. The maxillary sinuses.The pattern of trabecular bones. The comparative phase of identification. The radiological comparison. Data basis of missing persons.

The facial approximation as an complementaryl method of identification.

The question of admissibility of evidence/testimony of forensic Anthropology.

The identification in the context of crimes against humanity and in contexts of mass disasters.

The identification of the living. The identification based on images from surveillance cameras and other. The estimated age of undocumented minor individuals.

The report of Forensic Anthropology.

Head Lecturer(s)

Eugénia Maria Guedes Pinto Antunes da Cunha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 25.0%
Exam: 75.0%

Bibliography

Blau, Ubelaker (eds) 2016. Handbook of forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (2nd ed). New York. Routledge. Capítulos 26, 27, 32, 34, 35, 36, 40, 41, 45.

Houck (ed) 2017. Forensic Anthropology. Advance forensic sciences series. London. Academic Press. Section 6.

Iscan, Steyn 2013. The human skeleton in forensic medicine (3rd ed). Springfield. CC Thomas. Capítulos 10, 12.

Schmitt A, Cunha E, Pinheiro J. (eds) 2006. Forensic Anthropology and Medicine. From recovery to cause of death. Tottowa. Humana Press. Capítulos 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

Steadman DW. (ed) 2003. Hard Evidence: case studies in Forensic Anthropology.

Thompson T, Black S. (eds) 2007. Forensic Human Identification, an introduction. Boca Raton. CRC Press.